The Health Benefits of Giving Up Alcohol

Often when I teach alcohol awareness classes clients query me  , "Is drinking really that bad for me?"  This article will talk about  some of the main  physical benefits of abstaining from alcohol, and then will discuss the mental and psychological advantages of quitting boozing.

You are not going to hear too many arguments in favor of drinking alcohol. Of course some people  will say a small amount  is good for the heart, or that a single glass  of red wine everyday makes for  a healthy heart and increases longevity. Science, however, is really inconclusive with respect to any medicinal effects of alcohol. With respect to the wine hypothesis  that is still being debated  grape juice and grapes themselves have shown  to be have the same benefits. 

There are many well established  good effects  when one ceases to consume alcoholic beverages. There are numerous  studies  that detail how not drinking alcohol improves your physical and mental health. Non-drinkers have far less chance of developing cirrhosis of the liver, pancreas illness and many forms of cancer. Alcohol dehydrates the human body. After you stop drinking, one of the earliest  positive physical effects you will see  is that you skin will become clearer, more vibrant and youthful. This happens in the first week of stopping drinking.  It's incredible what being hydrated will do for your skin. An increase in energy is another effect that you will feel  in the first week of quitting.

While the physical effects on your body are extremely important, it is positive state of mind and mental effects that you will notice first.  If you ever have quit a substance that you had been using frequently  or sometimes  abusing you know that at you begin to ascertain that you do feel better. You are proud of the fact you have stop using and even more pleased that you feel good about it. Improved self-esteem gives a huge encouragement to those who quit drinking.

It will quickly become apparent when you stop  drinking you will have more available time  - for work, sports,  friends, and family. Life is all about engaging in personal relationships with other human beings. As you begin to feel better physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically you will become more active  in your life,  and those who love  you will also enjoy  the benefits as you reconnect on a healthy, upbeat  level.

As you reenter  life after drinking  old hobbies may regain the pleasure  you used to know  and the idea  of trying out something new will sound exciting. New interests like art, athletics or social clubs could invigorate and bring richness  to your life. Having a positive self-image will most definitely  make you more optimistic. Healthier brain cells firing on all cylinders make life more pleasurable. 

In closing, I encourage each of you to quit drinking for a month.  See if you feel better. You might need an alcohol class to help you determine  how to do this. Be aware of your moods, good and bad (there may be some doozies at the beginning if you are a heavy drinker).

Despite its legal status, it is important to be know  that alcohol is a drug and its use must be controlled. If you or anyone you know seems to be suffering from alcohol dependence, please have them seek help immediately. There are online alcohol class options to take voluntary and involuntary courses on alcohol rehabilitation.